KNAPP Connectors History

1977

Friedrich Knapp’s first invention: a connector spring.

1978

Friedrich Knapp received his first award at the Exhibition of Inventions in Vienna for the connector spring. The president of Austria, Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger, visited Mr. Knapp’s stand at this event.

1983

Friedrich Knapp patented his first self-tightening furniture connector, “MOBI-CHAMP”, which is compatible with the Lamello-system. The MOBI-CHAMP connector has proved itself ever since.

1985

The furniture connector has been presented to the public for the first time during the exhibition Expobois in Paris.

In 1985 Friedrich Knapp became a sole trader.

1986

Friedrich Knapp GmbH (LLC) was founded. From then on, the company is owner managed.

1987

First trade fair exhibiting KNAPP connectors.

1989

Opening up a branch in Germany and setting up a distribution network in 1991 with his daughter Elisabeth.

1992

First product catalogues were produced for the retail sale.

1994

First trade fair participation at the Holz- & Handwerk in Nuremberg.

1995

First website went online after submitting a URL.

1998

With his first connecting system for wood construction, Friedrich Knapp revolutionized the cross-grained wood screwing and obtained the German Technical Approval from the DIBt, the German Institute for Building Technology.

2005

Establishment of a subsidiary in France.

2007

A central warehouse has been opened in Amstetten, Austria. From there, the KNAPP connectors are shipped all over the world.

2008

The change of name from Friedrich Knapp GmbH to KNAPP GmbH.

2010

KNAPP GmbH based in Aschheim is restructured into a German subsidiary of KNAPP GmbH.

2017

Establishment of KNAPP USA Inc. with his son Paul Knapp.

A large number of patents and trademarks are filed by Friedrich Knapp.